Bor Tiger Reserve Report

Witnessing  two 'cool' mothers who could have been ferocious to others when they are with the kid was one of the highlight of our nature tour to Bor Tiger Reserve. Below are these two different Mothers with same sense of responsibility, courage, power and grace. Both Clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P.

List of Sightings is given below:

Bird

Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Eastern Cattle-Egret Ardea coromanda

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Gray Heron Ardea cinerea

Gray Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo

Indian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradise

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

Indian Robin Copsychus fulicatus

Indian White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Jungle Babbler Argya striata

Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis

Mottled Wood-Owl Strix ocellata

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis

Oriental Scops Owl Otus sunia

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica

Red-naped Ibis Pseudibis papillosa

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda

Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis

Shikra Tachyspiza badia

Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis

Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens

White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis

Mammals:

Royal Bengal Tiger

Sloth Bear

Indian Grey Langur

Nilgai

Wild Boar

Wild Dog

Sambar Deer

Spotted Deer

Rhesus Macaque

Sharing Few pics clicked by Mr. Bhaskar P

Videos by Ms. Anika S

The only group photo

Buldhana Birding

At Dyanganga WLS

Our Nature outing to Buldhana - the land with lots of lakes came to us with some lovely surprises. We got to see around eighty four species of birds including Demoisele cranes.

A visit to Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary was amazing as well.

We visited one ASI site at Satgaon Bhusari Temple Complex. It is a small place with lots of good sculptures still remaining.  We also visited Balapur Fort and Baladevi Temple situated at confluence of two rivers Bhains and Mann. Did some birding there as well. The murmuration of Rosy Pastures at Shegaon Temple was another lovely site to watch. Overall it was a pleasant experience.

Satgaon Bhusari temple complex 

List of fauna observed is given belllow. Also sharing some of the photographs clicked by our camp participant  and experienced photographer Dr. Ashish N, and Mr, Charuhas K. 

Birds :

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis

Asian Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans

Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Common/Spotted Redshank Tringa totanus/erythropus

Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo

Eastern Cattle-Egret Ardea coromanda

Eastern Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Gray Francolin Ortygornis pondicerianus

Gray Heron Ardea cinerea

Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Gray-headed Swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

Green-winged Teal Anas crecca

House Crow Corvus splendens

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

Indian Gray Hornbill Ocyceros birostris

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus

Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii

Indian Robin Copsychus fulicatus

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica

Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha

Indian White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Jungle Babbler Argya striata

Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Little Ringed Plover Thinornis dubius

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

Medium Egret Ardea intermedia

Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis

Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

Red-naped Ibis Pseudibis papillosa

redstart sp.Phoenicurus sp.

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

River Tern Sterna aurantia

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia (Feral Pigeon)

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri

Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda

Rufous-tailed Lark Ammomanes phoenicura

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus

Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii

Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis

Spotted Owlet Athene brama

Tricolored Munia Lonchura malacca

Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris

Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis

White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis 

Mammmles :

Spotted deer 

Indian Grey Langur 

Nilgay

Grey mongoose 

Wild boar 

Sambar deer

Reptiles : 

Skink 

Chameleon

Photographs clicked by Mr. Charuhas K.

Photographs clicked by Dr. Ashish N.

Small Surprise. Documented by Dr. Shreya

For future camps contact OikoEssence Team 

Shreya - 9869611810

Gauri -  9969440476

OikoEssence Programmes 2016. Nature trails - April to December; Nature camps - June to December

Oikoessence

With Nature in Mind

For details and registrations get in touch with us on

Email id: oikoessence@gmail.com; Ph: 9969440476 / 9869611810

Please go through the Rules & Regulations, given at the end of this schedule, to be followed during Oikoessence Camps & Trails before registering.

 Residential Nature Camps

June, 2016

11^th – 12^h June, 2016 – Paachgani

Located in the middle of five hills / platues the Paachgani offers scenic beauty and variety of biodiversity to campers.

Camp charges: Rs. 3850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 2^nd June, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

23^th – 27^th June, 2016 – Archeological Aurangabad - Ajanta, Ellora, Paithan and Daulatabad

Explore ancient Indian art and architecture of UNESCO World Heritage monuments inAurangabad.

Camp charges: Rs. 7,850/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 19^th February, 2016.

Journey Details:

23^rd June (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 17617 Tapovan Express from Mumbai CST at 06.15hrs. Reach Aurangabad at 13.15hrs on 24^th May, 2016.                                       

26^th June (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 11402 Nandigram Exp from Aurangabad at 21.35hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 05.35hrs on 27^th June, 2016.

July, 2016

9^th – 10^th July, 2016 – Siddhagad

Siddhagad is known for its wonderful forest surroundings. Walking towards Siddhagad in monsoon will be a pleasant experience.

Camp charges: Rs. 3800/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 27^th June, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar Station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

August, 2016

12^th – 16^th August, 2016 – Mandu and Bagh caves, Madhya Pradesh

Wrapped in lush green surroundings Vindhyas the Mandu is perfect example of Afghan architecture. Bagh caves are known for mural paintings by master painters of ancient India.

Camp charges: Rs. 8650/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 6^th April, 2016.

Journey Details:

12^th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 12961 Avantika Express from BCT at 19.10hrs. Reach Indore JN BG at 09.15hrs on 13^th August, 2016.                                       

15^th August (Monday), 2016: Departure by 12962 Avantika Exp from Indore JN BG at 16.25hrs. Reach BCT at 06.10hrs on 16^th August, 2016.

26^th – 29^th August, 2016 – Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

This unique wildlife sanctuary is located near Karad, Maharashtra. It is almost entirely man-made with an area of about 10.87sq kms.

Camp charges: Rs. 4500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 21^st April, 2016.

Journey Details:

26^th August (Friday), 2016: Departure by 171411 Mahalaxmi Express from Mumbai CST at 20.23hrs. Reach Kirloskarwadi at 04.43hrs on 27^th August, 2016.                                       

28^th August (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 171412 Mahalaxmi Exp from Kirloskarwadi at 22.25hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 07.25hrs on 29^th August, 2016.

September, 2016

24^th – 25^th September, 2016 – Kaas Plateau

Listed under UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kaas plateau is a home for many indigenous and endemic plants especially ground flora. Flowering of Balsams, Utricularias and Karvi bushes offers a spectacular view. It is a very good opportunity for plants lovers to observe variety of monsoon plant diversity.

Camp charges: Rs. 4250/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 9^th September, 2016.

Bus will leave from Swaminarayan temple opposite Dadar station (E) at 6.30am sharp.

October, 2016

6^th – 10^th October, 2016 – Toranmal and Baripada

Toranmal is one of less crowded hill stations of Maharashtra. Explore this part of Satpudarange and its flora and fauna. A very good example of community work can be seen in Baripada village. Villagers came together for protection of their own forest and also formed a Forest Protection Committee to strengthen it further.

Camp charges: Rs. 6950/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 9^th June, 2016.

Journey Details: 3AC

6^th October, (Thursday), 2016: Departure by 59441 Ahmedabad Pass from BCT at 22.40hrs. Reach Nandurbar at 12.45hrs on 7^th October, 2016.                                       

9^th October (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 51118 DHI CSN Pass from Dhule at 19.20hrs. Reach Mumbai CST at 04.05hrs on 10^th October, 2016.

12^th – 16^th October, 2016 – Jaisalmer

Explore the golden city of Jaisalmer and Sam sand dunes which are part of the Thar dessert.

Camp charges: Rs. 17,000/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport from Jodhpur to Jodhpur.

Registration before: 28^th July, 2016.

Flight tickets from Mumbai-Jodhpur-Mumbai or from any other city to-n-fro Jodhpur can be booked at extra cost (at actuals).

November, 2016

2^th – 6^th November, 2016 – Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chattisgarh

Chattisgarh holds tremendous amount of biodiversity. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is aTiger Reserve and is close to Amarkantak - the origin of River Narmada.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,500/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 28^th June, 2016.

Journey Details: 3AC

2^nd November (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 12261 Howarh Duronto from Mumbai CST at 17.15hrs. Reach Bilaspur JN at 09.55hrs on3rd November, 2016.                                       

6^th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 12860 Gitanjali EXP from Bilaspur JN at 00.45hrs. Reach CSTM 21.20hrs on 6^th November, 2016.

20^th – 26^th November, 2016 – Hampi, Badami and Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Hampi and Badami both are renowned World Heritage sites and have architectural marvels. Get a chance to observeKaradi – Local name for Sloth Bear in its natural habitat at Daroji.

Camp charges: Rs. 14,800/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 15^th July, 2016

Journey Details:

20^th November (Sunday), 2016: Departure by 17322 LTT Hubli Exp from LTT at 21.15hrs. Reach Badami at 13.48hrs on 21^st November, 2016.            

25^th November – Overnight Sleeper bus Journey from Hampi to Goa.                     

26^th November (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 12052 Janshatabdi Exp from Madgaon at 14.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 23.05hrs on 26^th November, 2016.

December, 2016

10^th – 14^th December, 2016 – Kumbhalgadh Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Named after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, the sanctuary is located in Aravali hills. One can observe good number of fauna.

Camp charges: Rs. 15,550/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food, stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai. 

Registration before: 5^th October, 2016

The cost includes food, stay and transport from Udaipur to Udaipur.      

Flight tickets from Mumbai-Udaipur-Mumbai or from any other city to-n-fro Udaipur can be booked at extra cost (at actual).

24^th – 30^th December, 2016 – Vedanthangal, Pichavaram and Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is a sanctuary protected by locals and one can observe many species of birds. Mangroves of Pichavaram are truly magnificent. Puducherry is a union territory of India. Influence of French architecture is a unique feature of its housing. 

Camp charges: Rs. 18,350/- per head. 10% discount for a child below 12 yrs.

The cost includes food (except train journey), stay and transport Mumbai to Mumbai.           

Registration before: 20^th August, 2016.

Journey Details:

24^th December (Saturday), 2016: Departure by 11017 Karaikal Exp from LTT at 12.05hrs. Reach Chennai Egmore at 11.008hrs on 25^th December, 2016.            

28^th December (Wednesday), 2016: Departure by 11006 Chalukya Exp from Puducherry at 20.30hrs. Reach Dadar at 05.45hrs on 30^th December, 2016.

One day Programmes

Participants should bear their own expenses for travel and food and entry tickets (wherever required). Oikoessence will not bear any expenses for participants, unless mentioned.

Carry cap, sunglasses, and rainwear according to the season.

Prior registration is compulsory.

Duration of the trail will vary depending upon the sightings. However tentative duration is mentioned in the schedule.

 Group size -  5-20 participants.

Registrations will be on first come first serve basis.

May, 2016 

1^st May, 2016 – Observe Maharshtra Day with Nature.

Walk from Cotton green to Byculla zoo.

Meeting point: Cotton green station (vashi end of Platform no. 2). Meeting time: 7.30am. Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free

June, 2016

5^th June, 2016 – Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spend the world environment day in natural forest surroundings and help us in dispersingseeds of indigenous plants in the nearby area of Tansa.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai.

July, 2016

24^th July, 2016 – Yeoor

Have a look at monsoon flora and lots of arthropods in Yeoor forest range.

Meeting point: Patonapada, Yeoor; Time: 8.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free. Park entry fee and guide fee has to be paid by participants.

August, 2016

7^th August, 2016 – Sagargad machi.

Situated in Alibaug, this fort gives a spectacular view of Alibaug region.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai

September, 2016

18^th September, 2016 – Prabal machi.

Located in between Panvel and Matheran this place holds variety of monsoon flora.

Meeting point: Swaminarayn temple, Dadar east. Bus will start at 6.30am sharp.

Charges – Rs. 1000/- per head. The cost includes Food (breakfast, lunch and evening tea); Travel by private vehicle Mumbai-Mumbai

October, 2016

2^nd October, 2016 – Animal Hospital campus, Parel (subject to permission)

The campus of the animal hospital is one of the few green patches left in the city of Mumbai. It houses varieties of tree species that attracts variety of lesser fauna.

Meeting point: Main gate of animal hospital, Parel; Time: 8.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free.

November, 2016

 

27^th November, 2016 – Owalekarwadi

Owalekarwadi planned butterfly habitat and attracts good number of butterflies.

Meeting point: Owala village bus stop; Time: 08.00am, Duration: 3 hrs

Charges – Free. Entry fee for the Owalekarwadi has to be paid by participants.

December, 2016

18^th December, 2016 – Elephanta Island

Elephanta is a world renowned heritage site. But, the flora and fauna of natural environment cannot be ignored.

Meeting point: Ticket counter, Gateway of India; Time: 8.00am, Duration: half day

Charges – Free. Entry fee/s and guide fee has to be paid by participants. Please note that participants should bear their ferry charges Mumbai-Elephanta-Mumbai.

Tasty Trails : April, 2016

Saturday 2^nd & Sunday 3^rdApril, 2016 – Tasty Trails to Matunga East and Dadar West

Matunga and Dadar both are famous for their authentic cuisines. Dadar west has lot to offer when it comes to variety of Maharashtrian food and Matunga east serves taste of Southern India. Last Date to register: 28^th March, 2016.

This program will be conducted four batches (twice at each place). Details are as follows-

2^nd April –

Batch 1 – Time: 7.30am to 12.00pm; Place - Matunga East; Meeting point – Entrance of Ramnarayan Ruia College, Matunga east; Charge – 550/- per head.

Batch 2 – Time: 05.00pm to 8.00pm; Place – Dadar west; Meeting point – entrance of Nakshatra mall; Charge – 300/- per head.

3^rd April –

Batch 3 - Time: 7.30am to 12pm; Place – Dadar west; Meeting point – entrance of Nakshatra mall;Charge – 300/- per head.

Batch 4 - Time: 05.00pm to 8.00pm; Place - Matunga East; Meeting point – Entrance of Ramnarayan Ruia College, Matunga east; Charge – 550/- per head.

(Please note at each food joint pre-decided vegetarian dishes will be served. However, one can order anything else at extra cost)

Rules & Regulations to be followed during OikoEssence Camps & Trails

1. Oikoessence Nature Camps and trails are educational camps and not luxury camps or picnics.


2. Basic necessities will be provided like simple and wholesome vegetarian food (tea/coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner), clean accommodation and toilets. During visits to remote forest areas participants will have to use open air toilets and rough it out.


3. During multiple accommodation facilities at the camp site participants must adjust to them and no separate accommodation will be provided. The group leader will decide the room allotments and the participants in the room, no alterations will be done.


4. Participants must follow strict discipline and no misbehavior will be tolerated any participant found doing so may be requested to leave the camp.


5. Detailed program of the following day will be briefed one day in advance.


6. Participants have to adhere to the given itinerary and no alterations by the participants will be entertained.


7. Participants should strictly follow the instructions of the group leader.


8. Smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.


9. Participants should take care of their belongings & valuable articles & will be solely responsible for them.


10. No portage will be provided.


11. Mineral water will not be provided unless mentioned.


12. OikoEssence will not be responsible for any mishap or catastrophe.


13. Wear comfortable walking shoes and never wear any high heels foot wear.


14. Please carry Water bottle, Cap, Torch, Mosquito repellents, Personal medicines and toiletries.


15. Do not wear any kind of perfume or deodorant while in the sanctuary.


16. Do not carry any music system or walkman, etc. in forest area.


17. Do not carry any inflammables and do not light fire in the forest area.


18. Do not tease any wild animal or destroy habitat of the Park or Sanctuary.


19. Carry clothes according to climate and season (do not wear red, white or any bright/fluorescent colours).


20. If a camp is canceled by OikoEssence for reasons such as lack of enough participation, unless any expense is incurred, a 100 % refund will be given. Participants who cancel their seats prior to cancellation of the camp will not get a complete refund. 50% of the total camp cost will be deducted for cancellation done 15 days prior to the commencement of camp. After that no refund will be given.